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SARONIC GULF
ISLANDS
The islands of the Saronic Gulf
The Saronic Gulf islands are among the Athinians favorite resorts as
they are located close to the capital. Each one of the five islands has
its own character and colour. The varied landscape and ancient
archeological sites are a magnet for both Greeks and visitors from
abroad.
Aegina
According to legend, Aegina was named after the daughter of Asopos. She
was kidnapped by Zeus who brought her to the then, uninhabited island.
There, they bore a son named Aiakos, who later became king of the
island. The archeological record shows the island to have been inhabited
since the Neolithic period and is thought to be the birthplace of the
poet, Aristophanis.
The works of Pausanios state that
the temples of Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Dionisos and Asklipios were
located near the harbour. A pillar has been recovered from the temple of
Apollo (Doric period - 6th century B.C.). It can be seen on the small
picturesque hill named Kolonas. The most important archeological site is
located on the east of the island near Agia Marina where the temple of
Aphaia is to be found. Aphaia is an ancient goddess and protector of the
island.
Apart from ancient ruins and
relics the island has many sandy beaches for those who love the sea. The
visitor can also find lots of small picturesque fishing villages and a
varied landscape throughout the island. To the south of the capital lies
the seaside village of Marathonas and along the coast is the beautiful
fishing village of Perdika where small boats take visitors to the
islands of Agistri and Moni.
Poros
Poros is a volcanic island which was created from the joining of
Kalavria and Sveria. It is located very close to Argolida in the
Peloponesse, separated only by a very narrow channel. The ancient ruins
of the Temple of Poseidon are to found 5 km from the main town, on the
road to the monastery of Zoodochos Pighis. The temple was built in the
6th century B.C. According to legend, this is where Dimosthenis drank
the "konio" poison and died.
The town of Poros is built in
keeping with Greek island tradition with blue and white colours. On the
road to Neorio there are numerous small inlets with sandy beaches and
pine trees which almost reach the sea. Approaching the island from the
sea provides an unforgettable view. On the other side of the town, small
boats take visitors to Argolida, where there is a large lemon orchard.
Hydra
This rocky island is famed as a cosmopolitan and cultural centre and has
played an important role in Greek history since the 15th century. In the
18th century, the island was called by many "Small England"
due to its increased naval activity. Large mansions have survived from
this period and can still be seen as part of the characteristic
architecture of the town. For all those who love culture and art, Hydra
is a famous meeting point and there are many galleries throughout the
island.
Lots of small churches and
monasteries are to be found. The most famous being the Prophet Ilias,
Agia Matrona and Agia Triada. There are beaches on the west of the
island at Kaminia, Molos, Vlichos and Mandraki which is a former naval
harbour. For those who have a boat, a trip around the island provides
the visitor with some unforgettable views of the small inlets and
harbours. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the island, adding to the
unique nature of Hydra. The atmosphere inspires both artists and
non-artists into creativity.
Spetses
Spetses is located at the entrance of the Argolikos bay. The island has
been inhabited since 2,000 B.C. and ancient ruins have been found at
Agia Marina along with clay utensils and idols. In ancient times the
island was called "Pytiousa" since it was covered with pine
trees. Today, the island is famous its unique architecture, picturesque
mansions and varied landscape. Also of note is the landscape with a
beautiful combination of pine trees, rocks, sand and sea. Motor vehicles
are not allowed on the island and the most popular means of transport
are by horse and cart or bicycle.
The most famous sites are the
mansion of Bouboulina, the heroine of the 1821 revolution along with the
mansion of Mexis which has now been turned into a museum. Also of note
is the church of Agia Marina. Among the beaches on the island, the most
well known are Agii Anargyri and Agia Paraskevi.
How To Get There
Useful Telephone Numbers
- Tourist Police - Aegina (0297
23243)
- Port Authority - Aegina (0297
22328)
- Tourist Police - Poros (0298
22462)
- Port Authority - Poros (0298
22274)
- Tourist Police - Hydra (0298
52205)
- Port Authority - Hydra (0298
52205)
- Tourist Police - Spetses (0298
73744)
- Port Authority - Spetses (0298
72245)
- The Archeological Museum of
Aegina (0297 22248)
- The Temple of Aphais on Aegina
(0297 32398)
- The Museum of Spetses (0298
72994)
- The Archeological Museum of
Poros (0298 23276)
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